SPIDER Automation XBee IO Expansion Shield V5 | XBee IO Expansion Shield | Wireless Communication & Sensor Prototyping Platform
Description
The SPIDER Automation XBee IO Expansion Shield is an advanced, multi-function sensor expansion board fully compatible with the Arduino ecosystem. Engineered to bridge microcontrollers with industrial networks and wireless modules, it expands standard digital and analog ports while providing dedicated sockets for RS485 lines, SD card storage, XBee, Bluetooth Bee, and APC220 wireless data transmitters.
Whether you are building automated sensor networks, wireless remote-control systems, or data logging stations, this V5 shield streamlines your electronic prototyping. It features automatic power switching between board rails and external terminals, dedicated servo power headers, and complete compatibility with Arduino Uno, Duemilanove, and Mega 1280/2560 boards.
Key Features
- Wireless Module Sockets: Dedicated physical interfaces supporting XBee, XBee PRO, S2, BlueBee Bluetooth, and APC220 transceivers.
- Industrial RS485 Interface: Built-in RS485 connection pins (D0-RX, D1-TX, D2-EN) for long-distance industrial communication.
- Onboard SD Card Module: Integrated storage interface allowing microcontrollers to read and write data files directly.
- Extended IO & Steering Gear Power: Expands 14 digital IO ports (including 12 dedicated steering gear interfaces) and 6 analog IO ports with power rails.
- Flexible Power Management: Features an external power input terminal, input pin header, and automatic switching between external and onboard supplies.
- Dedicated Bus & Reset Access: Includes an I2C/TWI interface (A4-SDA, A5-SCL), a 3.3V output port, and an accessible reset push button.
Benefits
- Simplifies Wireless Integration: Plug-and-play sockets eliminate complex wiring when adding XBee or Bluetooth telemetry to projects.
- Supports High-Drain Servos: Dedicated servo power connectors allow you to drive multiple motors stably without starving the microcontroller.
- Enables Remote Data Logging: Combines wireless communication and SD card storage on a single stackable shield.
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Broad Controller Compatibility: Mounts securely and operates seamlessly across standard Arduino Uno and Mega platforms.
Applications
- Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN): Deploying remote environmental sensor nodes that transmit data over XBee or Bluetooth links.
- Industrial Automation & RS485 Control: Interfacing Arduino boards with robust factory-floor RS485 communication networks.
- Mobile Robot Teleoperation: Controlling robotic rovers wirelessly using APC220 or Bluetooth modules with dedicated servo actuators.
- Remote Data Logging Stations: Capturing field telemetry and storing log records onto an SD card module automatically.
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Smart Agriculture Systems: Monitoring soil moisture, temperature, and automated irrigation valves across remote farm zones.
Package Includes
- 1 x XBee IO Expansion Shield – XBEE 2
Technical Specifications
| Item Type | Wireless & Sensor Expansion Shield |
| Brand / Series | SPIDER Automation (XBee IO Expansion Shield V5 Architecture) |
| Controller Compatibility | Arduino Uno, Duemilanove, Mega 1280, and Mega 2560 |
| Supported Modules | RS485, XBee / XBee PRO / S2, BlueBee Bluetooth, APC220, & SD Card |
| Digital IO Interfaces | 14 Digital IO Ports (Including 12 Steering Gear Interfaces with Power) |
| Analog IO Interfaces | 6 Analog IO Ports with Power Rails |
| Communication Interfaces | RS485, Wireless XBee, APC220, Bluetooth, & I2C/TWI (A4-SDA, A5-SCL) |
| Voltage Outputs | 3.3V Output Port & 5V Board Power Rails |
| Power Supply Features | External Terminal Input, Servo Power Connector, & Automatic Switching |
| Shipping Weight | 0.08 kg |
| Shipping Dimensions | 7 × 6 × 3 cm |